Kuala Lumpur, lovingly known as KL, is the chaotic, charming capital of Malaysia that serves up a dizzying mix of towering skyscrapers, bustling street markets, and mouthwatering food. It’s a city where you can sip a coconut under the shadow of the Petronas Towers and then dive into a plate of char kway teow in a back-alley market. If you’re short on time but big on adventure, this 2-day itinerary will help you squeeze every last drop out of KL.
Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, or the Philippines!
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TLDR 🫣
KL: A vibrant mix of towering skyscrapers, rich culture, mouthwatering food, and diverse neighborhoods. Perfect for a quick yet fulfilling adventure.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Free Walking Tour (Petronas Towers, KL Tower, Chinatown, temples, and markets), “I Heart KL” sign, and Durian World for ice cream.
Day 2: Batu Caves, revisit Chinatown for lunch, relax at KLCC Park, and end with the light show at the Petronas Towers.
Pro Tips:
- Use Grab for easy transportation or rely on KL’s efficient public transport system.
- Stay in KLCC for iconic views or Bukit Bintang for a lively vibe.
- Hydrate and wear comfy shoes; KL is great for exploring but can be humid and tiring.
Top Awards:
- Best Experience: Climbing Batu Caves for the view and the vibe (despite the monkeys!).
- Best Eats: Durian ice cream from Durian World – weirdly good, even if durian scares you.
- Best "Bang For Your Buck" Hotel: Check out accommodations near KLCC for central access and great views. (We stayed in a different unit, but in this building).
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase).
Money in Kuala Lumpur
You can withdraw Malaysian Ringgit (RM) from ATMs or exchange at any of the many money exchange counters, but we found that, aside from the food stalls on the walking tour and tips, we were able to use our international credit cards almost everywhere. Pro tip: Avoid withdrawing too much cash—KL is a modern and card-friendly city!
Getting Around Kuala Lumpur
KL is not exactly the kind of city where you want to drive unless you enjoy traffic jams that feel like they’re stuck on repeat. Instead, embrace Grab (Asia’s answer to Uber) or the city’s efficient and affordable public transport system. The LRT, MRT, and monorail can zip you across town without breaking a sweat. And for short distances, walking is your friend — just be prepared to dodge the occasional motorbike on the sidewalk. We took the bus a couple of times, tapping with our international credit cards. A bus ride in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the Rapid KL bus costs between RM 1.00 and RM 5.00, depending on the distance traveled.
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
KL’s districts each have their own personality, so your stay depends on your vibe:
Bukit Bintang: For nightlife, shopping, and food. Think of it as the extrovert’s paradise.
KLCC: Perfect for first-timers. You’re close to the iconic Petronas Towers and high-end malls. (We stayed in a different unit, but in this building)
Chinatown: Full of character and history, with budget accommodations and great street food.
Bangsar: For the hipster in you. Cafés, bars, and boutique vibes.
ITINERARY
Day 1: The Heart of KL
Start your day with a free walking tour of Kuala Lumpur. We booked our a few days in advance using Guru Walk. Our meeting spot was in front of the Petronas Towers, which was super convenient as we were staying close by. You’ll hit all the major spots and learn tidbits that make you sound smart when you recount them later.
Petronas Towers: These twins are the stars of KL’s skyline. Snap that “look, I’m in KL!” selfie from the base and marvel at their shimmering 88 floors of steel and glass. They’re even cooler at night, so keep that in mind.
KL Tower: Just a short walk away, KL Tower is where you’ll feel like a bird. If you’re not afraid of heights, head to the Sky Deck for panoramic city views. The glass-bottomed Sky Box is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s totally worth it for the adrenaline rush.
Petaling Street/Chinatown: This bustling street market is a riot of colours, smells, and sounds. Haggle for souvenirs, grab some street food, or just enjoy the sensory overload. We tried an otak roll (RM5.00), a flavourful grilled fish cake wrapped in banana leaves and seasoned with aromatic spices. Next, we had nin kou (RM3.00), a sweet glutinous rice cake typically enjoyed during celebrations, known for its chewy texture and caramel-like flavour. To drink, we had a refreshing cup of soya bean milk with brown ginger sugar (RM2.50), a subtly sweet and warming beverage that perfectly balanced the street food we’ve been eating.
Little Devil Lane: Nope, this isn’t where KL’s troublemakers hang out. This narrow alley is decked out with quirky murals, making it Instagram gold.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: This colourful Hindu temple is an explosion of detail. Take a moment to admire the intricate carvings and learn a bit about its history.
Guan Di Temple: This Chinese temple is dedicated to Guan Yu, the God of War, but don’t worry, it’s all about peace and incense here. The bright red pillars make it stand out.
Central Market: Your one-stop shop for Malaysian handicrafts, souvenirs, and even henna tattoos if you’re feeling bold. It’s the perfect place to pick up a batik scarf or a keychain for that friend who’s been watering your plants. We bought a few cheap stickers from here!
Jamek Mosque: One of KL’s oldest mosques, it’s a stunning blend of Moorish and Mughal architecture. Ladies, bring a scarf to cover your head, or you can borrow one on-site.
After the tour, you’re free to explore on your own. We visited a few more sites before having lunch!
I Heart KLCC Sign: Before lunch, swing by the iconic “I Heart KL” sign for another must-have photo op. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s fun to embrace it.
Durian World for an Ice Cream Break: Yes, durian. Love it or hate it, you’ve got to try it. Durian World offers a gentler introduction to this divisive fruit with creamy durian ice cream. It’s weirdly addictive, and you can always wash it down with coconut water if it’s not your thing.
For late lunch (practically dinner), we ate at Ali, Kathu, & Ah Hock – a classic restaurant in KL that was recommended by our Walking tour guide! Two meals and two drinks set us back only $12.19 CAD!
Day 2: Nature, Culture, and Nightlights
Morning: Batu Caves
Grab a Grab (pun intended) to the Batu Caves, a short ride from the city. From our accommodation in KLCC, this Grab only cost around $7 CAD. When you arrive, no matter the time of day, it’ll be packed with tourists!
This iconic Hindu temple is guarded by a massive golden statue of Lord Murugan and a steep 272-step climb that’ll make you regret every roti canai you ate the day before. The caves themselves are free! It’s stunning, with natural limestone formations and colourful shrines. Watch out for the monkeys — they’re cute but have zero respect for your personal belongings.
Lunch: Chinatown Revisited
If Chinatown stole your heart yesterday, head back for a leisurely lunch.
Grab a plate of char siu (roast pork), or go vegetarian with a bowl of fragrant curry mee. Don’t forget to sip on some iced kopi (coffee) to fuel up for the afternoon. We ate at Merchant’s Lane, a delicious restaurant up some narrow stairs. These two mains set us back around $18 CAD.
Afternoon: KLCC Park
After all that sightseeing, chill out at KLCC Park. It’s an oasis in the middle of the city, with lush greenery, a jogging path, and a fantastic view of the Petronas Towers. Find a shady spot and do some people-watching while your legs thank you for the break.
Evening: Light Show at the Petronas Towers
Cap off your KL adventure with the nightly light and fountain show at the park in front of the Petronas Towers. It’s a magical mix of music, water, and colors, and it’s completely free. Grab a spot early for the best view, and let the dazzling display remind you why you chose KL for your quick getaway.
For dinner, we ate inside the Malaysia Food Village! We enjoyed a plate of Hokkien mee noodles (RM15.50), a rich and savoury stir-fried dish featuring thick noodles coated in a flavourful dark soy sauce, accompanied by pork, prawns, and vegetables. For dessert, we had a chendol (RM4.80), a refreshing treat made with shaved ice, coconut milk, green rice flour jelly, and a drizzle of palm sugar syrup, perfect for cooling off in the tropical heat.
Bonus Tip
If you’ve still got energy (or a flight to catch at 3 a.m.), hit up Jalan Alor for one last food extravaganza. This lively street food market will make you wish you had an extra stomach.
TOTAL COST for 2 Days in KL (Approximate CAD for 2 people):
Accommodations for 3 nights: $150
Activities (and associated fees and tips): $14
Food: $108
Transportation: $65
Souvenirs (Stickers): $1
TOTAL: $339 (Roughly $56 per person, per day)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Kuala Lumpur is a city that’s as vibrant as it is diverse, and two days is just enough to catch a glimpse of its charm. From awe-inspiring architecture to mouthwatering street food, KL offers a little bit of everything. The key is to keep an open mind (and an empty stomach) as you explore its streets, temples, and markets. Whether you’re climbing the Batu Caves, snapping selfies at the Petronas Towers, or indulging in yet another plate of nasi lemak, KL is bound to leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your sense of adventure and get ready to fall in love with this bustling Malaysian gem.
Feel free to ask us questions in the comments! Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, or the Philippines!
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